By Scout Nelson
Residents of Mille Lacs County and nearby areas have an opportunity to ensure the safety of their drinking water through a free well water testing clinic hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The event is being organized in partnership with the Minnesota Well Owners Organization and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Nitrate contamination is a growing concern across rural Minnesota. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without testing. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause severe health issues, especially for infants and pregnant women.
Contamination is most common in agricultural areas where sandy soils, karst geology, or fractured rock layers allow chemicals to seep into groundwater. Older or shallow wells are more vulnerable to this problem.
According to federal safety standards, water containing more than 10 mg/L of nitrate is unsafe for consumption. Data from MDA’s 2024 testing clinics revealed that 6% of over 2,400 private wells exceeded this limit.
Even newly constructed wells may show early signs of contamination, as 4% reported nitrate concentrations above 3 mg/L—an early warning that the problem may worsen over time.
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends all private well owners test their water annually. While municipal supplies are tested regularly, private well owners are solely responsible for maintaining safe water quality.
Testing is quick, confidential, and free. Participants are advised to:
- Run cold tap water for 5–10 minutes
- Collect one cup of water in a clean container
- Keep the sample cool
- Bring it to the clinic during open hours
- The clinic will provide instant results and personalized guidance at no cost.
Mille Lacs County Well Water Testing Clinic
Date: Thursday, Oct. 23 | Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Baadwewidang Community Center, 43500 Virgo Road, Onamia, MN 56359
Photo Credit:gettyimages-zms
Categories: Minnesota, Energy, General